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Many killed in Islamabad blast

No let up in violence amid continuing political uncertainty in Pakistan.

27 Aug 2008 01:01 GMT

The violence comes amid increasing political uncertainty in Pakistan [Reuters]

In Peshawar, Arshad Khan, the police chief, said the armoured vehicle Lynne Tracy, the US diplomat, was travelling in came under heavy gunfire after two men armed with assault rifles blocked the vehicle.

No one was hurt in the attack, which has raised fears that other foreigners could be targeted.

Pakistan's foreign ministry condemned the attack, saying the government was committed to ensuring the security of diplomats in the country.

Political uncertainty

The incident occurred hours after the collapse of the governing coalition that drove Pervez Musharraf from the presidency and amid escalating violence by fighters.

Pakistan's political uncertainty has led to escalating violence in recent weeks, with a spate of suicide bombings and other attacks.

The US and other Western governments have been watching Pakistan's ruling coalition unravel since Musharraf, a close ally, resigned last week after nearly nine years in power to avoid the humiliation of impeachment.

Monday's decision by the coalition's second largest party to quit the government could concentrate power in the hands of a more Western-leaning party, which has pledged to support the US-led war against extremist groups.